As cooler weather settles in and we turn our attention to winter preparations, many of us are thinking about how to keep our homes warm, comfortable, and resilient, all while reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the place we love.
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on sustainable building and design, and how the Bow Valley is leading the way in creating spaces that are climate-ready, efficient, and built for the future.
And there is no better way to dive in than by joining us next week at our signature annual event.
Building for Sustainability Symposium
📍 The Malcolm Hotel, Canmore
📅 November 6–7
The 3rd Annual Building for Sustainability Symposium is right around the corner!
This two-day event brings together builders, designers, policy makers, homeowners, and energy experts to explore what’s possible when innovation meets community leadership.
What's Included:
7 field trips showcasing sustainable homes and buildings in the Bow Valley
2 keynote presentations, including:
17 hands-on workshops on energy efficiency, retrofit tools, policy pathways & more
A dynamic panel on incentivizing sustainable builds
Networking with the people shaping the future of Alberta development
This year’s theme is all aboutturning ideas into actionby equipping you with the tools, partnerships, and inspiration to make change happen in your home, business, and neighbourhood.
Walking the Talk on Sustainability
We believe learning is most powerful when we model the changes we hope to see. We’re committed to making the Symposium itself a model for sustainable events. Here are a few ways we’re reducing our footprint:
Active & Shared Travel: We encourage attendees to walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible. For those joining our Banff tour, we’ll be riding together on an electric Roam bus to minimize emissions.
Sustainable Menu: The Symposium will feature a vegetarian-forward menu, emphasizing local ingredients to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
Zero Waste Practices: We’re limiting disposable items throughout the event and using digital programs instead of printed materials.
Reuse & Return: We will be collecting lanyards at the end of the event so they can be reused for future gatherings.
Together, these actions reflect our shared commitment to sustainability, not only in the buildings we design but also in the way we gather, learn, and collaborate.
Do not miss your chance to be part of this truly unique event. Tickets are almost gone!
What You Can Do at Home
Even if you’re not attending the symposium, there are simple ways to make your home more energy efficient and climate-ready this season:
Install LED lighting
Add weather stripping and seal drafts
Check out our ClimateSmart resources
Borrow the Home Energy Efficiency Toolkit
Join upcoming energy workshops by ENBIX
Learn more about green buildings in the Bow Valley
Small changes add up and when we act together as a community, the impact grows.
Upcoming Events
Earth Talks – Fireguards, FireSmarting, and Wildlife Coexistence
📍 Canmore Public Library, Friends Program Room
🗓️ Monday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.
Join John Paczkowski for an engaging presentation on how FireSmart practices and fireguard development can support both wildfire resilience and wildlife conservation. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring:
Cliff White, Consultant
Bill Hunt, Senior Director of Conservation, Y2Y
Caitlin Miller, Director of Emergency Management, Town of Canmore
This Earth Talks session explores how strategically designed fuel-reduction projects can reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, and support safer human-wildlife coexistence in the Bow Valley.
ENBIX Workshop - Ground Source Heat Pumps for Builders
📍 Grande Rockies Resort, Canmore
🗓️ Tuesday, November 18, 9 a.m –12 p.m
Join Joseph Henke for this presentation on Ground Source Heat Pumps for Builders. This training session will look at the fundamentals of Ground Source Heat Pumps in Alberta, examining design considerations and case studies. This session is presented with support from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, with content developed by Alpine Geothermal.
ENBIX Workshop - Building Envelope Fundamentals
📍 Grande Rockies Resort, Canmore
🗓️ Tuesday, November 18, 1:30 p.m –4:30 p.m
Join Joseph Henke for this presentation on Building Envelope Fundamentals. This training session will look at the critical functions of the building envelope in residential applications and the importance of air tightness, thermal bridging and below grade insulation. This session is presented with support from the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. With content developed by Building Knowledge Canada.
Square Dance Fundraiser - Do-Si-Do for the Biosphere!
📍 Cornerstone Theatre, Canmore
🗓️ Friday, November 21, 2025
⏰ Doors 6:30 p.m. | Dance 7:30 p.m.
Dust off your cowboy boots and join us for the third annual Square Dance Community Fundraiser. This is the most fun you can have with your boots on! No experience required, our lively caller will guide you every step of the way.
Enjoy an evening of toe-tappin’ tunes from a live band, belly laughs, and community spirit. We’ll have light snacks, a cash bar and plenty of chances to win big with our Silent Auction, Draw Prizes, and 50/50.
Click here to get your tickets!
